How to Learn About the Penalty for Invasion of Privacy

Invasion of privacy is a violation we are protected against by the First Amendment. The First Amendment protects several aspects of privacy. Citizens are protected against unreasonable invasion of private space, using a person's name or likeness unreasonably and excessive publicity about private life. You are also protected against publicity about public life if it is used in a misleading manner. These rights are enforceable through the Federal Trade Commission.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Learn About Invasion of Privacy Penalties

1. Research the penalty for invasion of privacy violations protected by the Privacy Act. Read Internet and telemarketing case summaries for an idea of the agency's involvement at the FTC Web site (see Resources below).

2. Contact an experienced privacy attorney in your area to learn about the penalties for breaking invasion of privacy laws. A local attorney will be familiar with all recent local privacy statutes that may affect penalties.

3. Visit Consumer Sentinel (see Resources below), the online database where complaints filed through the FTC for privacy violations are routed. Privacy issues of fraud and identity theft are handled on this site.

4. To learn about what specific penalty a company or other entity may undergo for invading your personal privacy, file a complaint against them on the FTC Web site (see Resources below). The FTC will share the information with law enforcement entities, and work on investigating the invasion of privacy.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that the penalty for invading privacy is often nothing more than the FTC compelling the violator to begin complying with the laws.